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City Council Meeting

July 21, 2020 City Council Meeting

July 21, 2020 Oklahoma City, OK
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Meeting Summary

TL;DR

The City Council approved several key resolutions, including authorizing legal action against an illegal short-term rental, adopting an increased non-emergency ambulance transport rate, and establishing a 20-day public comment period for future city budgets. Discussions also covered updates on the Better Street Safer City program, public art projects, and the second phase of the Small Business Continuity Program, which will provide grants to businesses and non-profits impacted by COVID-19.

Key Decisions & Votes

Jared Shadee Recognition

05:00

The council unanimously adopted a resolution to thank and commend Jared Shadee for his seven years of dedicated service in the planning department, particularly his work with the homeless community.

Approved

Law Enforcement Policy Task Force Consultant Agreement

01:10:00

The item to approve MT Barry as a special advisor and facilitator for the Law Enforcement Policy Task Force was struck from the agenda due to the omission of necessary language regarding waiving competitive bidding. It is expected to return on August 4th.

Struck

Closing Right-of-Way on S Ellison Ave

01:20:00

The council approved closing a 60-foot right-of-way on South Ellison Avenue, extending south from West Sheridan Avenue 155 feet, to facilitate future development.

Approved

Closing Rights-of-Way and Easements for MAPS 3 Lower Downtown Park

01:21:00

The council approved closing rights-of-way and easements for the MAPS 3 Lower Downtown Park area, bounded by West I-40 and Southwest 15th, to enable future development.

Approved

Ordinance Change: Streetcar Parking Fines

01:35:00

An ordinance proposing to define vehicles blocking streetcar tracks as traffic obstructions and increase fines from $50 to $130 was deferred to October 27th to allow for more data collection on the effectiveness of new signage and normal traffic patterns.

Deferred

Ordinance to Modify Animal Adoption Fees

01:37:00

An ordinance was introduced that would allow the Animal Welfare Superintendent to modify animal adoption fees, including reducing them by half or eliminating them, to align with adoption partners during events. A public hearing is set for August 4th, with a potential final hearing on August 18th.

Introduced for consideration

Resolution Declaring 2204 N Kelly Dilapidated

01:39:00

A resolution to declare the structure at 2204 North Kelly dilapidated was deferred to the next meeting at the request of a councilwoman.

Deferred

Resolution Declaring Dilapidated Structures

01:40:00

The council adopted a resolution declaring a specific structure listed under item E1A as dilapidated.

Adopted

Resolution Declaring Unsecured Structures

01:41:00

The council adopted a resolution declaring the listed structures as unsecured.

Adopted

Resolution Declaring 2204 N Kelly Abandoned

01:43:00

A resolution to declare the structure at 2204 North Kelly abandoned was initially passed, then rescinded and subsequently deferred for two weeks at the request of the Code Enforcement Superintendent.

Rescinded, then Deferred

Resolution Declaring Abandoned Buildings

01:44:00

The council adopted a resolution declaring the remaining listed buildings as abandoned, following the deferral of one specific property.

Adopted

Coronavirus Relief Fund Small Business Continuity Program Agreement

02:07:00

The council approved an agreement with First Fidelity Bank to manage the second round of the Coronavirus Relief Fund Small Business Continuity and Payroll Reimbursement Program. This round will provide grants (up to $100,000) from CARES Act funds to businesses and non-profits with 100 or fewer employees, covering PPE and business retrofits.

Approved

EMSA Non-Emergency Ambulance Transport Rate Increase

02:18:00

The council adopted a resolution approving an increase in the non-emergency ambulance transport rate to $900. This change aims to align EMSA's rates with market value, address current financial losses per transport, and ensure compliance with federal regulations.

Adopted

Emergency Operations Plan Adoption

02:29:00

The council adopted the city's Emergency Operations Plan as revised, authorizing the city manager to implement it. The plan includes minor updates and emphasizes a polycentric, all-hazards, scalable response.

Adopted

Salary Continuation for Firefighter Joseph Young

02:30:00

The council approved a resolution authorizing salary continuation for Firefighter Joseph Young while he continues to require rehabilitation.

Approved

Enjoin Short-Term Rental Use at 4600 Valverde Drive

02:47:00

The council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the Municipal Counselor to initiate legal action in district court to enjoin the use of the property at 4600 Valverde Drive for short-term rental, citing violations of city ordinances and neighborhood covenants.

Approved

Claims Recommended for Denial

02:48:00

The council approved the recommendation to deny three listed claims.

Approved

Claim Recommended for Approval

02:49:00

The council approved the recommendation to approve one listed claim.

Approved

Establishing 20-Day Comment Period on FY Budgets

03:00:00

The council adopted a resolution, with amendments, establishing a required 20-day public comment period on proposed city fiscal year budgets to enhance transparency and public input.

Amended and Adopted

Upcoming Community Events

Tomorrow (July 22nd)

Yoga in the Park

JFK 15th and MLK from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with OKC Beautiful.

Upcoming

Urban League Virtual Back-to-School Bash

Every Saturday

Northeast Farmers Market

Pitts Recreation Center.

Ongoing

Tai Chi, Yoga, and Pilates Classes

Metro Tech, free of charge.

Financial Matters

Better Street Safer City Program - Residential Resurfacing Project

Budget amendment for additional funds needed for a residential resurfacing project between May 89th, Pennsylvania Avenue, and Southwest 74th due to worse-than-expected street conditions.

$591,934

Better Street Safer City Program - Sidewalk Project

Budget amendment for additional funds needed for a sidewalk project near Highland Park Elementary School for additional connections.

$214,159

Belle Isle Library Project Amendment

Amendment to an agreement with the Metropolitan Library System to add donations for additional enhancements to the Belle Isle Library project.

$950,000

EMSA Subsidy

The city's subsidy for EMSA for the coming year, covered by EMSA Care program collections.

$4,700,000

Coronavirus Relief Fund Small Business Continuity and Payroll Reimbursement Program (Administrative Fees)

Administrative fees for the second round of the small business continuity program, sourced from remaining funds from the Gold Bond program.

$100,000

Coronavirus Relief Fund Small Business Continuity and Payroll Reimbursement Program (Direct Payments)

Funding for direct grant payments to companies and non-profits in the second round of the small business continuity program, sourced from CARES Act funds.

$10,000,000

EMSA Non-Emergency Ambulance Transport Rate Increase

Resolution to increase the non-emergency ambulance transport rate from $393 to $900 to align with market value and comply with federal regulations.

Claims Recommended for Denial

Three claims were recommended for denial by the council.

Claim Recommended for Approval

One claim was recommended for approval by the council.

Public Comments

3 citizens spoke

Three citizens spoke during the meeting. John Pettis inquired about the Small Business Continuity Program, specifically regarding grant eligibility for previous loan recipients, the role of the bank in the application process, and changes in grant criteria. Dave Amos and Amanda Nyquirk spoke passionately against an illegal short-term rental at 4600 Valverde Drive, detailing numerous disturbances, safety concerns, and violations of city ordinances and HOA covenants.

Small business relief program details and eligibility Illegal short-term rentals and neighborhood impact Transparency and accountability in city processes

Coming Up

Tabled

  • Item BW: Consultant Agreement for Law Enforcement Policy Task Force (expected back August 4th).
  • Item 9C: Ordinance Change regarding streetcar parking fines (deferred to October 27th).
  • Item 9E2B: Resolution declaring 2204 N Kelly dilapidated (deferred to next meeting).
  • Item 9G1D: Resolution declaring 2204 N Kelly abandoned (deferred to two weeks).

Deadlines

  • August 4th: Public hearing for ordinance to modify animal adoption fees.
  • August 18th: Final hearing for ordinance to modify animal adoption fees.
  • August 18th: Public hearing and vote to confirm and create the Downtown BID for another 10-year period.
  • Late August/Early September: Two-step process to confirm assessment rule for year one of Downtown BID, adopt BID budget, and professional services agreement.

Watch For

  • Further updates on the Law Enforcement Policy Task Force, including the process for bringing in an outside consultant and public engagement.
  • The launch of the second round of the Small Business Continuity Program application process (expected within 1-2 weeks).
  • A proposal for a specific program to support venues with live performances heavily impacted by COVID-19.
  • Marketing campaign for the mask ordinance and COVID-19 precautions.
  • Presentation on the Point-in-Time count for homelessness.

Announcements

  • If the video conference is disconnected, the meeting will stop and reconvene once audio is restored. If not restored within 30 minutes, items will be continued to July 21st at 1:00 PM.
  • Agenda and documents are located on okc.gov.
  • Anyone wishing to speak must call 405-297-2391, text 219-405-219-7927, or email cityclerk@okc.gov. Speakers will have three minutes.

Agenda Summary

Resolution to thank and commend Jared Shadee

Recognizing Jared Shadee for seven years of service in the planning department, coordinating social services for the homeless, managing grants, leading the Point-in-Time count, and developing the winter shelter contingency plan and COVID-19 respite facilities.

Approved

Journal of Council Proceedings

Approval of the minutes from previous council proceedings.

Approved

Uncontested Continuances

Various items were struck or deferred from the agenda due to corrections, disputes, or applicant requests.

No Action

Revocable Permits

No revocable permits were listed for consideration.

No Action

Oklahoma City Municipal Facilities Authority (MFA) Items A-I (excluding H1)

Approval of various items under the Municipal Facilities Authority.

Approved

Oklahoma City Public Property Authority (OCPA) Items A & B

Approval of various items under the Public Property Authority.

Approved

Oklahoma City Environmental Assistance Trust (OCEAT) Item A

Approval of claims and payroll for the Environmental Assistance Trust.

Approved

Consent Docket Item V (Faith Works Development)

Discussion regarding a development by Faith Works, a non-profit creating single-family homes in northwest Oklahoma City.

Information Only

Consent Docket Item X (Animal Welfare Grant)

Discussion of a grant from a national organization to support the animal shelter's foster program and help achieve a 90% live release rate.

Information Only

Consent Docket Item Y1 (Public Art at Dolph & Horton Park)

Discussion of two poems by N.J. Alexander to be installed at Dolph & Horton Park, one sandblasted and one as a steel sculptural element.

Information Only

Consent Docket Item Y2 (Public Art at USA Softball Hall of Fame)

Discussion of the 'Trajectory' sculpture by Pete Beeman, illustrating a softball's path, to be installed at the USA Softball Hall of Fame.

Information Only

Consent Docket Item Y3 (Public Art at OKC Tennis Center, Will Rogers Park)

Discussion of a colorful, lighted glass and metal vestibule art piece by Anton Morton, Brett McDonald, and Martin Donlin for the new clubhouse entrance.

Information Only

Consent Docket Item Z1 (Britain District Update)

Discussion on the Britain District's second year in the commercial district flight liberation program, focusing on a strategic plan, part-time director, and beautification efforts.

Information Only

Consent Docket Item AL3 (Street Resurfacing on Sooner)

Discussion regarding residential street resurfacing from NE 36th Street to Wilshire on Sooner, and collaboration with the City of Luther for road improvements.

Information Only

Consent Docket Item AN (Belle Isle Library Amendment)

Discussion of an amendment to an agreement with the Metropolitan Library System to add $950,000 in donated funds for additional enhancements to the Belle Isle Library project.

Information Only

Consent Docket Item AP2 (NW Expressway & Villa Pedestrian Crossing)

Discussion of funding for an enhanced pedestrian crossing at Northwest Expressway and Villa, intended as a companion project to the Belle Isle Library improvements.

Information Only

Consent Docket Item AQ (Better Street Safer City Program Update)

Presentation on the implementation plan amendment for the Better Street Safer City program, including budget amendments for residential resurfacing and sidewalk projects.

Information Only

Consent Docket Item AS (Special Permit for Dog Park)

Discussion of a three-year renewal for a special permit allowing a private group to manage a dog park on the east side of Hefner Parkway.

Information Only

Consent Docket Item AY (Downtown BID Renewal)

Discussion on the second step in the three-step process to renew the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) for another 10-year period.

Information Only

Consent Docket Item BA (EMSA Professional Services Agreement)

Discussion of the professional services agreement between the city and EMSA, outlining the EMSA Care program and city's purchase and lease of capital equipment for EMSA.

Information Only

Consent Docket Item BB (EMSA Budget)

Discussion of the EMSA budget, which the city receives as the beneficiary of the trust, including the city's $4.7 million subsidy.

Information Only

Consent Docket Items BC & BD (Agreements of Support for Trusts)

Discussion of annual agreements of support for the Oklahoma City Public Property Authority and the Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority to help lower financing costs.

Information Only

Consent Docket Item BN (MAPS 4 Program Consultant)

Discussion on the selection process for ADG as the Master Program Consultant for MAPS 4, emphasizing the qualifications-based selection and citizen involvement.

Information Only

Consent Docket Items BR, BS, BT (Crossing Guard Agreements)

Discussion of agreements with various school districts (Moore, Putnam, Edmond, Millwood, Piedmont) to provide crossing guards at high-traffic areas within Oklahoma City limits.

Information Only

Consent Docket Item BS (Jail Services Agreement)

Discussion of the jail services agreement with Oklahoma County Jail, including the site-and-release program for municipal charges and the percentage of the general fund from fines and fees.

Information Only

Consent Docket Item BT (Legal Aid Services Agreement)

Discussion of the long-standing agreement with Legal Aid Services to provide public defenders for eligible adult and juvenile defendants in municipal court.

Information Only

Consent Docket Item BW (Law Enforcement Policy Task Force Consultant)

Discussion regarding the selection of MT Barry as a special advisor and facilitator for the Law Enforcement Policy Task Force, and the process for consultant selection.

Struck

Consent Docket

Approval of the remaining items on the consent docket after specific items were pulled for discussion or struck.

Approved

Concurrence Docket Items A-L

Approval of all items on the concurrence docket.

Approved

Item 9A1 & 9A2

These items were previously deferred from the agenda.

No Action

Item 9C (Ordinance Change: Motor Vehicles, Traffic, Municipal Court - Streetcar Parking)

Discussion on an ordinance to define vehicles blocking streetcar tracks as traffic obstructions and to increase associated fines.

Deferred

Item 9D (Ordinance to be Introduced: Animal Fees)

Introduction of an ordinance to allow the Animal Welfare Superintendent to modify animal adoption fees for adoption events.

Introduced for consideration

Item 9E1 (Public Hearing: Dilapidated Structures)

Public hearing regarding listed dilapidated structures.

No Action

Item 9E2 (Resolution: Dilapidated Structures)

Resolution declaring certain structures dilapidated.

Adopted

Item 9E2 (Resolution declaring 2204 N Kelly dilapidated)

Resolution to declare a specific structure dilapidated.

Deferred

Item 9F1 (Public Hearing: Unsecured Structures)

Public hearing regarding listed unsecured structures.

No Action

Item 9F2 (Resolution: Unsecured Structures)

Resolution declaring listed structures unsecured.

Adopted

Item 9G1 (Public Hearing: Abandoned Buildings)

Public hearing regarding listed abandoned buildings.

No Action

Item 9G2 (Resolution: Abandoned Buildings)

Resolution declaring listed buildings abandoned.

Adopted

Item 9G2 (Resolution declaring 2204 N Kelly abandoned)

Resolution to declare a specific structure abandoned.

Rescinded, then Deferred

Item 9K1 & 9K2 (Executive Session)

Motion to go into executive session to discuss legal matters.

Approved

Item 11A (Resolution: Establishing Comment Period on FY Budgets)

Resolution establishing a 20-day public comment period on proposed city FY budgets, with amendments to clarify reporting timelines and terminology.

Amended and Adopted